Curious to know about the cost of living In Sydney vs Brisbane? Wondering which Australian city offers a more affordable lifestyle? In this detailed comparison, we’ll unfold some key aspects of the cost of living, addressing questions like: How do accommodation costs stack up? What about transportation expenses? Are there significant variations in food and grocery prices? For students eyeing these cities for education, we’ll break down the cost of study. And for those looking to balance academics with work, we’ll discuss part-time job opportunities. Read and discover!
Key Takeaways:
- Brisbane is 10% less expensive than Sydney, with monthly expenses averaging AU$ 2,363 in Brisbane and AU$ 2,623 in Sydney.
- Both cities have similar transportation costs, with Brisbane slightly more affordable at AU$ 125 per month compared to Sydney’s AU$ 160.
- Off-campus living in Sydney averages AU$ 556 per month, while on-campus accommodation rises to AU$ 1,276.
- Off-campus living is more economical at AU$ 705 per month, and on-campus accommodation is AU$ 936.
- Both cities offer diverse part-time job opportunities for students, with hourly pay averaging around AU$ 20.33.
What Is The Average Cost Of Living In Sydney Vs Brisbane?
According to Livingcost, the cost of living in Brisbane is 10% less expensive than in Sydney. The average monthly expenses for a single person are AU$ 2,363 in Brisbane and AU$ 2,623 in Sydney. The main difference is in rent prices, which are 52% higher in Sydney than in Brisbane.
Brisbane also has a higher local purchasing power, meaning that the average salary can buy more goods and services than in Sydney. However, Sydney has a higher quality of life index and a better ranking in higher education. Both cities have excellent air quality and similar transport costs.
Breakdown Of Cost Of Living In Sydney Vs Brisbane
Hope you got a clearer understanding of the cost of living in both cities. Now let’s unfold in detail. The following table consists of a side-by-side comparison of the cost of living in Sydney vs Brisbane.
| Particulars | Monthly Living Expenses in Brisbane (AU$) | Monthly Living Expenses in Sydney (AU$) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | AU$ 556 | AU$ 705 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | AU$ 1,276 | AU$ 936 |
| Transportation | AU$ 125 | AU$ 160 |
| Food Cost | AU$ 754 | AU$ 754 |
| Utility Cost | AU$ 142 | AU$ 190 |
| Entertainment | AU$ 68 | AU$ 51 |
| Groceries | AU$ 142 | AU$ 182 |
| Clothes | AU$ 66 | AU$ 103 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | AU$ 1,728 | AU$ 1,985 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | AU$ 2,363 | AU$ 2,623 |
| Annual Cost of Living | AU$ 20,736 | AU$ 23,820 |
Accommodation Cost & Options
Sydney and Brisbane are both great cities to live in, offering a high quality of life, low crime rates, and diverse cultural attractions. However, there are some differences in the cost of accommodation between the two cities.
According to Numbeo, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is 29.9% lower in Brisbane than in Sydney, while the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre is 36.5% lower in Brisbane than in Sydney. The price of buying an apartment in the city centre is also 42.6% lower in Brisbane than in Sydney.
Therefore, depending on one’s preferences and budget, both Sydney and Brisbane can be considered attractive options for accommodation in Australia, especially when comparing the cost of living in Sydney vs Brisbane.
Student Accommodation In Sydney
The following is the list of some best and convenient student accommodations in Sydney along with the rent and room options:
| Property Name | Location | Weekly Rent (AU$) | Room Options |
| Iglu Mascot | 8 John Street, Mascot NSW 2020 | 639 | 4 |
| Y Suites on Gibbons | 15 Gibbons St, Redfern NSW 2016 | 539 | 7 |
| UKO Annandale | 52-54 Parramatta Rd, Stanmore NSW 2048 | 580 | 5 |
| Redfern Village | 240 Chalmers St, Redfern NSW 2016 | 400 | 5 |
| Ume Haymarket | 631 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000 | 560 | – |
Student Accommodation In Brisbane
The following is the list of some best and affordable student accommodations in Brisbane along with the rent and room options:
| Property Name | Location | Weekly Rent (AU$) | Room Options |
| UniLodge South Bank | 125 Colchester St, South Brisbane QLD 4101 | 269 | 12 |
| UniLodge Park Central | 8 Gillingham St, Woolloongabba QLD 4102 | 329 | 26 |
| UniLodge Herston Quarter | 86 Bramston Terrace, Herston QLD 4006 | 209 | 34 |
| UniLodge Toowong | 29 Archer Street, Toowong 4066 Australia | 299 | 17 |
| Scape South Bank | 149 Merivale St, South Brisbane QLD 4101 | 249 | – |
Cost Of Studying In Both Cities
The average tuition fees for international students in Australia are around 30,000 AUD (16.5 lakhs INR) per year. However, this may vary depending on the level of study, the course, and the university. For example, the University of Sydney has different tuition fees for each area of study.
The cost of books and stationery may also depend on the course and the university, but a general estimate is around 500-1,000 AUD (275-550 INR) per year. Some universities may offer online or second-hand textbooks to reduce the cost.
Other costs that you may need to consider are accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and visa fees. These can add up to around 20,000-25,000 AUD (11-14 lakhs INR) per year. You may also need to purchase a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) of 6 lakhs INR as proof of financial self-sufficiency.
Transportation Modes & Fare
Considering the cost of living in Sydney vs Brisbane, transportation emerges as a crucial factor for residents and students alike. Cities vary in their public transport options, fare structures, and student discounts. The average monthly cost of transportation in Brisbane is AU$ 125, while in Sydney it is AU$ 160 per month. The following is a comparison of transportation in Sydney and Brisbane:
- Sydney and Brisbane both have trains, buses, and ferries as public transport modes.
- Sydney also has a light rail network, while Brisbane has a tram system.
- Both cities use a smart card system for ticketing, called Opal Card in Sydney and Go Card in Brisbane.
- The average fare for a train trip is around AU$ 3 in both cities.
- The average fare for a bus trip is around AU$ 2.50 in Sydney and AU$ 2.20 in Brisbane.
- The average fare for a ferry trip is around AU$ 6.50 in Sydney and AU$ 4.50 in Brisbane.
- The average fare for a light rail or tram trip is around AU$ 2.50 in both cities.
- International students are not eligible for public transport concession in Sydney, but they can get a full concession in Brisbane.
Cost Of Food In Sydney Vs Brisbane
The average monthly cost of food is equal in both the cities i.e. AU$ 754. However, the difference in food costs may vary depending on the type and quality of the food, as well as the location and popularity of the restaurant.
Some of the top and affordable restaurants in Sydney that students must try are:
- Saké Restaurant & Bar: A contemporary Japanese restaurant that serves sushi, sashimi, tempura, and other dishes, along with a range of imported sakes. The average price for a main course is AU$ 28.
- Flavour of India: A cosy eatery that offers authentic and interesting Indian food, such as curries, tandoori, biryanis, and naan bread. The average price for a main course is AU$18.
- Mr. Wong: A Cantonese-style restaurant that features a large menu of dim sum, noodles, seafood, and roast meats, as well as a selection of cocktails and wines. The average price for a main course is AU$ 25.
Some of the top and most affordable restaurants in Brisbane that students must try are:
- Vapiano Albert Lane: A casual Italian restaurant that makes pizza and pasta from scratch using local produce. The average price for a main course is AU$ 18.
- Mado Turkish Restaurant: A traditional Turkish restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, such as kebabs, salads, dips, bread, and desserts. The average price for a main course is AU$ 20.
- Les Bubbles: A Parisian steakhouse and bar that specialises in steak frites, served with salad, bread, and bottomless fries. The average price for a main course is AU$ 24.
Entertainment & Other Costs
When analyzing the cost of living in Sydney vs Brisbane, distinct patterns emerge across various expenditure categories. While Sydney carries a higher entertainment cost, Brisbane outpaces Sydney in terms of utility, grocery, and clothing expenses. Here are some details for each category:
Utility Cost
This includes electricity, gas, water and internet bills. According to Finder, the average electricity bill in Sydney is AU$ 313 per quarter, while in Brisbane it is AU$ 276. The average gas bill in Sydney is AU$ 144 per quarter, while in Brisbane it is AU$ 76. The average water bill in Sydney is AU$ 248 per quarter, while in Brisbane it is AU$ 300. The average internet bill in both cities is AU$ 74 per month.
Entertainment
This includes going out, gym, movie tickets, bets and other leisure activities. According to Home To Go, a night out in Sydney costs AU$ 54.52, while in Brisbane it costs AU$ 42.23. The average gym membership fee in Sydney is AU$ 67 per month, while in Brisbane it is AU$ 58. The average movie ticket price in Sydney is AU$ 21, while in Brisbane it is $18. The average bet amount in Sydney is AU$ 12 per week, while in Brisbane it is AU$ 9.
Groceries
This includes food and household items. According to Canstar Blue, the average weekly grocery bill in Sydney is AU$ 159, while in Brisbane it is AU$ 165. The most common items in the shopping basket are fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and eggs, bakery items, meat and seafood, pantry items, drinks and frozen foods.
Clothes
This includes buying new clothes and accessories. According to The Guardian, Australians buy 56 new items of clothing a year at an average cost of AU$ 6.50 each. The most popular brands are Levi’s, Zara, H&M, Nike and Adidas.
Part-Time Job Opportunities For Students
Part-time jobs are a great way for students to earn some extra money, gain valuable work experience, and enhance their skills. Australia offers a variety of part-time jobs for international students, ranging from retail, hospitality, and tutoring, to administration, marketing, and more. However, the cost of living in Sydney vs Brisbane may vary significantly, so students should consider their budget and lifestyle preferences before choosing a city to live and study in.
The average hourly pay for part-time jobs in Australia is around AU$ 20.33, but it may vary depending on the industry, location, and qualifications. Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and unlimited hours during the holidays, as per their visa conditions.
The following is the table of some part-time job opportunities for students in Sydney and Brisbane, along with their working hours and pay.
| Job Title | Location | Working Hours | Pay |
| Private Tutor | Sydney | Flexible | AU$ 25-AU$ 50 per hour |
| Fundraiser | Sydney | 3-5 days per week, 4-6 hours per day | AU$ 24.80- AU$ 35 per hour + bonus |
| Accounting Intern | Sydney | 2-3 days per week, 9 am-5 pm | AU$ 20-AU$ 25 per hour |
| Shop Assistant | Brisbane | Casual | AU$ 20.33 per hour |
| Administrative Assistant | Brisbane | 2-3 days per week, 8:30 am-4:30 pm | AU$ 25-AU$ 30 per hour |
| Speech Pathologist | Brisbane | Part-time | AU$ 35-AU$ 45 per hour |
Note: This information may change over time. For updated information related to part-time jobs, you can check Indeed, LinkedIn and other job search apps.
FAQs
1. Which city is more expensive to live in, Sydney or Brisbane?
Sydney is more expensive than Brisbane, with higher costs of rent, transport, and food.
2. How much is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney and Brisbane?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is AU$ 1,770 in Sydney and AU$ 1,398 in Brisbane.
3. How much is a meal in a mid-range restaurant for two people in Sydney and Brisbane?
A meal in a mid-range restaurant for two people costs about AU$ 120 in Sydney and AU$ 150 in Brisbane.
4. How much is a monthly ticket for local transport in Sydney and Brisbane?
A monthly ticket for local transport costs AU$ 142 in Sydney and AU$ 127 in Brisbane.
5. Which city has a better quality of life, Sydney or Brisbane?
According to one living cost.org, Sydney has a slightly higher quality of life score than Brisbane (99 vs 95), based on factors such as air quality, education, and population. However, this may vary depending on personal preferences and needs.
Thank you for reading our guide to the Cost Of Living In Sydney Vs Brisbane: 2024 Camparision! Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
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